Bruce Lee's Fighting Method: Skill in Techniques

The Pursuit of Perfection - Part 1

Author: Owen Johnston
Date Posted: January 20, 2008

In the pursuit of perfection of character - the ultimate aim of karate-do - one learns a new mode of self-expression. In this way, verbal and body language take on new forms and meanings. As a result, we may better effect positive changes within - and without - ourselves, as well as more honestly and clearly express our inner hopes and desires.

In this light, let us remember that life is a give and take. In all fairness, we must treat others as we would like to be treated. In this way, we are always reminded of the universal good. If we believe in being treated in a 'correct' way - then to believe in an absolute right is the easiest logical assumption to make. Therefore, we must seek the best possible solution in every situation. Studies of ancient wisdom, and hard - yet efficient - training, will provide the answers.

What is invisible must become visible. What is visible must become invisible. The rhythms, seasons, and cycles of life and nature are easily observed, but are hard to understand without much study. To improve our own nature is even more difficult. Yet, let us look at acorns. Depending on factors in the environment surrounding it, the small acorn disappears in the ground and grows into a grand oak tree. In time, this oak produces acorns of its own.

Let us then review the different kinds of power in nature terms. Water yields - sticking / glueing / pulling power. Wind turns - twisting / grinding / ripping power. Fire burns - driving / exploding / pushing power. Metal axes - penetrating / cutting / hacking power. Earth buries or strengthens - crushing / stopping / Blunt Force Trauma. These deal more with application and training than specific techniques. Many techniques, stances, and footwork utilize a certain type of power, but may use different types of power as needed.

In one example, a knife hand block may utilize both hands - the off hand 'sticking', while the blocking hand's setup maneuver 'crushes' at the bicep or elbow of the opponent's arm. Upon the completion of the block, the off hand 'twists' at the opponent's blocked arm and traps it, while your blocking hand 'cuts' or 'penetrates' at the opponent's neck or head. If at the neck, a full hacking strike must be used, as well as a pulling with your trapping hand to break their balance further and control their movement. This penetration will help you effect a take down, submission, or knockout strike.

One such take down is to simply continue with your blocking / striking hand - as if cutting with a sword - which will collapse the spine and ruin their stance. Of course, in even gaining the opportunity to utilize such an application, you must have 'exploding' footwork and earth-like strength in stances, as well as the looseness of water in movement.

Remember these factors for external strength - power, speed, technique, agility, balance, control, endurance. Remember these factors for internal strength - love, hope, faith, discipline, looseness, determination, fighting spirit. Many subtleties and shades are contained within! The factors for internal strength take time to foster, but are infinitely more important. Difficult external training, and the wisdom of others will strengthen you on the inside - but only as long as you want to learn. Also, adversities in life develop one's mental and spiritual depth.

Massive strength, lots of setup, and extraneous movements should not be necessary in technique or application. Rather, we should consider power - smooth, explosive movement. Much practice and training are required to achieve the proper efficiency. However, unlike raw strength, there is virtually no limit to skill development. Remember this in your physical, mental, and spiritual training.

About The Author

The above was excerpted from Sensei Owen Johnston's free guide to karate, available as a free pdf ebook download - Understanding Karate-Do: A Unity of Body, Mind, and Soul. The author is the chief instructor at Johnston Karate, based in Lake City, South Carolina.

Article Source: JKD Street Combat - online collection of Karate articles.

Write an online review and share your thoughts with other readers!